Controlling light exposure of light sensitive object

ABSTRACT

An approach for controlling light exposure of a light sensitive object is described. Aspects of this approach involve using a first set of radiation sources to irradiate the object with visible radiation and infrared radiation. A second set of radiation sources spot irradiate the object in a set of locations with a target ultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths. Radiation sensors detect radiation reflected from the object and environment condition sensors detect conditions of the environment in which the object is located during irradiation. A controller controls irradiation of the light sensitive object by the first and second set of radiation sources according to predetermined optimal irradiation settings specified for various environmental conditions. In addition, the controller adjusts irradiation settings of the first and second set of radiation sources as a function of measurements obtained by the various sensors.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/382,216, filed on 31 Aug. 2016, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to controlled lightingenvironments, and more particularly, to a smart lighting system thatutilizes various sensors to detect radiation reflected from a lightsensitive object, fluorescent radiation induced in the object, and/orconditions of the environment in which the object is located duringirradiation, and a controller that controls the irradiation of theobject according to predetermined optimal irradiation settings specifiedfor various environmental conditions and feedback from the sensors.

BACKGROUND ART

A plant is one type of light sensitive object that can be grown in acontrolled light environment. Growing plants under controlled conditionssuch as in greenhouses, growth cabinets or warehouses, generally entailsmonitoring the plant environment and controlling parameters such aslight, water vapor pressure, temperature, CO₂ partial pressure, and airmovement, in order to adjust the microclimate of the environment foroptimizing growth and photosynthesis in an empirical manner. Plantattributes such as quantitative morphological, physiological andbiochemical characteristics of at least a part of the plant may also bemodulated during the monitoring of the plant environment and controllingof environment parameters.

Having the ability to determine the physiological condition of a plantor group of plants is useful in implementing photosynthetic responsesinto climate control algorithms or models that can be used in acontrolled light environment. Optimization of photosynthesis of crops orplant material can be achieved through careful and planned manipulationsof growth conditions based on in-situ monitoring of relevantphotosynthetic processes. Relevant and short-term plant responses areinvolved in the definition of growth requirements not only throughclimate control, but also through the production processes, fertilizers,light quality, light intensity, and crop quality.

All these responses can ultimately affect economic returns. For example,the forestry industry replants millions of seedlings every year. Theseseedlings are initially grown in a controlled environment and aretransplanted into the field during very specific and critical periodsduring seedling development. However, in the case of evergreen conifersit is difficult to determine by physical appearance alone when seedlingshave reached the physiological state when they can be successfullytransplanted outside. In addition, it can be difficult to determine fromexternal plant appearances whether or not the light quality andintensity in a controlled environment is optimal for plant health andeconomic returns. Similarly, early determination of plant stress,effects of fertilizer and water regimes, grazing and effects of physicaldamage on the plant's vigor are difficult, if not impossible, todetermine based on the external appearance of the plant. By the time thestress is physically apparent, the crop can be beyond a critical pointof recovery.

To effectively control the climate, irrigation, nutrition, and lightregime of greenhouse crops, in order to beneficially modulate andcontrol growth and attributes of crops, sensors as well as models can beincorporated into a feed-forward/feedback component of a lightingsystem. Feed-forward controllers can use lamp light output to providethe necessary input for plant growth and have the capacity to anticipatethe effects of disturbances on the greenhouse climate and in the lightenvironment and take action within precisely set limits. Specific cropmodels, developed for individual crop species, can be based on data fromsensors and used to estimate the benefits of changing growth regimes(e.g., spectral quality of the light source) to influence or modulatethe outcome (e.g., flowering time). To this extent, the data obtained bythe sensors can be combined with model-based algorithms in a lightingsystem to direct specific changes in light intensity and/or quality,influencing the plant's growth processes or attributes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary Of The Invention introduces a selection of certain conceptsin a brief form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription Of The Invention. It is not intended to exclusively identifykey features or essential features of the claimed subject matter setforth in the Claims, nor is it intended as an aid in determining thescope of the claimed subject matter.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to a lighting system thatincorporates optimal irradiation settings to irradiate a light sensitiveobject under a variety of environmental conditions, sensors to detectradiation reflected from the object and/or conditions from theenvironment in which the object is located during irradiation, and acontroller that controls the irradiation of the object according to theoptimal irradiation settings specified and feedback from the sensors. Inthis manner, the irradiation of the light sensitive object can beoptimized to attain desired characteristics.

Various radiation sources can be used to irradiate the light sensitiveobject. In one embodiment, a set of visible light sources and infraredsources can irradiate the object over a range of wavelength. Forexample, the visible light sources can include a dark blue visible lightsource operating in a wavelength ranging from 440 nm to 450 nm, a bluevisible light source operating at a peak wavelength of 470 nm and a fullwidth half max ranging from 5 nm to 10 nm, a green visible light sourceoperating in a wavelength ranging from 525 nm to 540 nm, a red visiblelight source operating in a wavelength ranging from 620 nm to 640 nm, ared visible light source operating at a peak wavelength of 660 nm and afull width half max ranging from 5 nm to 10 nm, while the infraredsources operate in a wavelength ranging from 725 nm to 740 nm.

A plurality of ultraviolet radiation sources can complement the visiblelight sources and infrared sources in the irradiation of the object. Inone embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation sources can be used for spotirradiation of the object. The ultraviolet radiation sources can operateat different peak wavelengths and irradiate the object at differentlocations with relatively uniform radiation. In one embodiment, morethan one of the ultraviolet radiation sources can irradiate a commonlocation of the object. To this extent, the ultraviolet radiationsources can irradiate the common location at different intensities ofradiation.

In one embodiment, the light sensitive object can include a livingorganism, such as plant, where the various radiation sources can be usedto irradiate parts of the plant, such as leaves, branches, trunks,roots, nodes, and buds. In an embodiment where a plant is the lightsensitive object that is irradiated by radiation sources, the sensorscan include one or more of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, aCO₂ sensor, a water sensor, a nutrient sensor, a fluorescent sensor, anda radiation sensor.

The controller can receive measurements from the sensor(s) to detectchanges imparted to the plant by the radiation sources. The controllercan analyze the data associated with the irradiation by the radiationsources and the data associated with environmental conditionssurrounding the light sensitive object. In one embodiment, the dataassociated with the irradiation can include intensity, dosage, duration,wavelength, type of radiation, and pattern, while the environmentalconditions can include temperature, humidity, presence of CO₂, andwater. The controller can use this information to detect changes in theplant that include changes in size, shape, color, and temperature.

The controller can also use the information from the sensors to controla multitude of plant growth parameters by adjusting settings of theirradiation. In one embodiment, the plant growth parameters can includean amount of water provided to the plant, air temperature at a locationof the plant, an amount of nutrients provided to the plant, and anamount of pesticides applied to the plant.

The controller can control the irradiation of the plant in this mannerduring different periods of plant growth. In one embodiment, thedifferent periods can include a plant seedling period, a plantdevelopment period, a plant maturity period, plant blooming period, anda plant fruition period. The controller can be configured to receivemeasurements from the sensors at various times of the day during each ofthe different periods of plant growth. In one embodiment, the controllercan direct the radiation sources to irradiate the plant according to apredetermined irradiation pattern. For example, the predeterminedirradiation pattern can include a first irradiation by ultravioletradiation sources, followed by second irradiation by visible lightsources, and a third irradiation by fluorescent radiation sources.

The predetermined optimal irradiation settings specified for variousenvironmental conditions can include a multitude of settings for theradiation sources. For example, settings can include the type, thewavelength, the intensity, the dosage, the duration, the pattern, andthe frequency, of radiation emitted from the radiation sources for theplant during different periods of plant growth. In one embodiment, thepredetermined optimal irradiation settings can be specified fordifferent parts of the plant. In one embodiment, the predeterminedoptimal irradiation settings can be based on samples of plants that havebeen irradiated and samples of plants that were not irradiated. Thesettings based on samples of plants that have been irradiated can bederived from an analysis performed on locations of the plant thatreceived focused irradiation and regions of the plant that did notreceive irradiation. In one embodiment, the locations of the plant thatreceived focused irradiation can receive fluorescent radiation while theregions of the plant without irradiation do not receive any of thefluorescent radiation. In this example, the analysis on the locationscan include a fluorescent analysis to determine the effect that thefluorescent radiation has on formation of flavonoids in the plant for aspecific period of plant growth under a variety of environmentalconditions.

In one embodiment, the predetermined optimal irradiation settings caninclude a range of acceptable intensity radiation values over a timeduration that are absorbable by the plant and that contribute toproduction of flavonoids and antioxidants within the plant withoutdamaging plant cells. In another embodiment, the settings can furtherinclude a schedule specifying a time frame that the range of acceptableintensity radiation values are appropriate for use during each of thedifferent periods of plant growth. The predetermined optimal irradiationsettings and the schedule can be derived from ultraviolet plantabsorption curves formed for the plant that show absorption ofultraviolet radiation for varying amounts of intensity over time.

In one embodiment, the predetermined optimal irradiation settings can bederived from a fluorescent analysis of the plant that has undergoneirradiation through ultraviolet radiation and visible light radiation.For example, the fluorescent analysis can include obtaining fluorescentsignals from the plant in response to irradiation by visible lightradiation, obtaining fluorescent signals from the plant in response toirradiation by ultraviolet radiation, plotting a ratio of thefluorescent signals from the visible light radiation to the fluorescentsignals from the ultraviolet radiation as a function of wavelength, andascertaining values in the ratio of the fluorescent signals thatcontribute to production of flavonoids and antioxidants within theplant. In one embodiment, a peak value in the ratio of the fluorescentsignals can be indicative of an optimal wavelength for irradiating theplant.

The predetermined optimal irradiation settings can also be derived byirradiating a set of locations on the plant with different ultravioletradiation sources. In one embodiment, each of the different ultravioletradiation sources can irradiate a respective location with multiplewavelengths of ultraviolet radiation. In this manner, each of thedifferent ultraviolet radiation sources can irradiate a respectivelocation with ultraviolet radiation, such that each location can receivea different wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation. Fluorescent signalscan then be obtained from each of the locations after irradiation of thedifferent wavelengths of the ultraviolet radiation. The controller canuse the fluorescent signals from each of the locations to determine apresence of a first chemical component on the surface of the plant thatis indicative of a chemical modification and a second chemical componenton the surface of the plant that is indicative of a newly formedchemical material relating to flavonoid and antioxidant production.

In another embodiment, the predetermined optimal irradiation settingscan be derived by irradiating a set of locations on the plant with asingle ultraviolet radiation source such that each location receives adifferent wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation from the singleultraviolet radiation source. Fluorescent signals can then be obtainedfrom the plant in response to irradiation by the ultraviolet radiation.The set of locations on the plant can then be irradiated with a visiblelight source after ultraviolet radiation. Fluorescent signals can thenbe obtained from the plant in response to irradiation by the visiblelight source. A ratio of the fluorescent signals from the visible lightradiation to the fluorescent signals from the ultraviolet radiation canthen be determined as a function of wavelength. Values in the ratio ofthe fluorescent signals that contribute to growth of the plant can thenbe ascertained.

The predetermined optimal irradiation settings can further be derived byirradiating a set of locations on the plant with a set of differentultraviolet radiation sources. In one embodiment, each of the differentultraviolet radiation sources can irradiate a respective location with adifferent intensity and duration of ultraviolet radiation.

In another embodiment, the predetermined optimal irradiation settingscan be derived from absorption spectra obtained at regions in the plantthat contribute to flavonoid and antioxidant production and absorptionspectra obtained at other regions in the plant. For example, thecontroller can determine an optimal wavelength of radiation thatbalances a peak in the absorption spectra of the regions in the plantthat contribute to flavonoid production with any penalty or cost thatthe peak wavelength will have in the absorption spectra in other regionsof the plant can be adversely effected by that amount of radiation.

A first aspect of the invention provides a light exposure control systemfor irradiating an object having a light sensitive surface, comprising:a first set of radiation sources configured to irradiate the object withvisible radiation and infrared radiation; a second set of radiationsources configured to spot irradiate the object in a set of locationswith ultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths; a radiationsensor configured to detect radiation reflected from the object; aplurality of environmental condition sensors that detect conditions ofthe environment in which the object is located during irradiation by thefirst and second set of radiation sources; and a controller configuredto control irradiation of the light sensitive object by the first andsecond set of radiation sources according to a plurality ofpredetermined optimal irradiation settings specified for variousenvironmental conditions, the controller adjusting irradiation settingsof the first and second set of radiation sources as a function offluorescent measurements obtained by the radiation sensor for at leasttwo wavelengths, and the environmental conditions detected by theplurality of environmental condition sensors.

A second aspect of the invention provides a light exposure controlsystem for irradiating a plant, comprising: a set of visible light andinfrared radiation sources configured to irradiate a surface of theplant with visible radiation and infrared radiation; a set ofultraviolet radiation sources configured to spot irradiate the surfaceof the plant in a set of locations with a target ultraviolet radiationhaving a range of wavelengths; a radiation sensor configured to detectradiation reflected from the surface of the plant including visibleradiation, ultraviolet radiation and fluorescent radiation; a pluralityof environmental condition sensors that detect conditions of theenvironment in which the plant is located during irradiation by the setof visible light and infrared radiation sources and the set ofultraviolet radiation sources; and a controller configured to controlirradiation of the surface of the plant by the set of visible light andinfrared radiation sources and the set of ultraviolet radiation sourcesaccording to a plurality of predetermined optimal irradiation settingsspecified for various environmental conditions, wherein the controllerdirects the set of ultraviolet radiation sources to irradiate the set oflocations on the surface of the plant with a first fluorescentexcitation of radiation having a distinct wavelength of emittedradiation at a predetermined intensity and duration, and at a secondfluorescent excitation of radiation having a wavelength of emittedradiation at a predetermined intensity and duration that is differentfrom the first fluorescent excitation of radiation, the controllerreceiving fluorescence measurements from locations experiencing thefirst and second fluorescent excitations and locations unexposed to thefirst and second fluorescent excitations, the controller adjusting theirradiation settings of the set of visible light and infrared radiationsources and the set of ultraviolet radiation sources as a function ofthe fluorescence measurements.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method, comprising:irradiating a light sensitive object with visible radiation and infraredradiation; spot irradiating the light sensitive object in a set oflocations with ultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths;detecting radiation reflected from the light sensitive object; detectingconditions of the environment in which the light sensitive object islocated during the irradiation and spot irradiation; and controlling theirradiation and spot irradiation of the light sensitive object accordingto a plurality of predetermined optimal irradiation settings specifiedfor various environmental conditions, the controlling includingadjusting irradiation settings as a function of fluorescent measurementsobtained for at least two wavelengths and the environment conditions.

The illustrative aspects of the invention are designed to solve one ormore of the problems herein described and/or one or more other problemsnot discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the disclosure will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a light exposure control system forirradiating a light sensitive object such as a plant according to anembodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart describing the use of a light exposure controlsystem described herein in a test mode to determine optimal irradiationsettings and in an operational treatment mode using the settings toirradiate a light sensitive object such as a plant according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a parameter space of optimal irradiation settings inrelation to settings used in a sample test irradiation of a plant duringthe test mode depicted in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the effect that different intensity ofradiation values can have on the absorption of the radiation in a lightsensitive object over time according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart describing a test mode according to anotherembodiment that implements a fluorescent analysis to determine theoptimal irradiation settings for use with a light exposure controlsystem in an operational treatment mode of a light sensitive object suchas a plant.

FIG. 6 shows details of a fluorescent analysis according to oneembodiment that can be utilized in the fluorescent analysis depicted inFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative fluorescent analysis that can be performedin the fluorescent analysis depicted in FIG. 6 in which the intensityand duration of the radiation irradiating the object is varied betweendifferent regions according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example showing the effect that the absorption ofradiation can have on different elements of a light sensitive objectsuch as a plant, and how balancing that effect on all of the elementscan be used to find the optimal irradiation settings for irradiating theplant according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic block diagram representative of an overallprocessing architecture of a light exposure control system forirradiating a light sensitive object according to an embodiment.

It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings areintended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and thereforeshould not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In thedrawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, aspects of the present invention are directed to alighting system that incorporates predetermined optimal irradiationsettings to irradiate a light sensitive object under a variety ofenvironmental conditions, sensors to detect radiation reflected from theobject and/or conditions from the environment in which the object islocated during irradiation, and a controller that controls theirradiation of the object according to the predetermined optimalirradiation settings and feedback from the sensors.

Although the description that follows is directed to a plant, variousembodiments of the present invention are suitable for use with any lightsensitive object where it is desirable to irradiate a surface of theobject to alter chemical and/or biological processes internal to theobject in order to impart certain physiological responses. Examples ofother light sensitive objects that are suitable for use with a lightingsystem that incorporates concepts of the various embodiments describedherein can include, but are not limited to, living organisms such ashumans and animals. In an embodiment, the present invention can beincorporated to affect material that undergoes a chemical reaction underradiation, such as an ultraviolet curable ink.

The various embodiments for controlling light exposure of a lightsensitive object with a lighting system described herein can include anumber of components (some of which may be optional) that facilitate thecontrol of light exposure. These components and the functions that eachcan perform are described below in more detail. The components andactions can include any now known or later developed approaches that canfacilitate implementation of the concepts and configurations of thevarious embodiments described herein.

As used herein, controlling light exposure of a light sensitive objectmeans controlling a dose, type, angle, location, extent, and/or thelike, of any radiation of light energy directed over at least some of asurface of the sensitive object. Generally, controlling light exposureof a light sensitive object can entail changing the intensity of thelight, the wavelength of the light, the intensity distribution pattern,and/or the like, over a surface.

Ultraviolet radiation, which can be used interchangeably withultraviolet light, means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 10 nm to approximately 400 nm. Within thisrange, there is ultraviolet-A (UV-A) electromagnetic radiation having awavelength ranging from approximately 315 nm to approximately 400 nm,ultraviolet-B (UV-B) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 280 nm to approximately 315 nm, andultraviolet-C (UV-C) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 100 nm to approximately 280 nm.

As used herein, a material/structure is considered to be “reflective” toultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structurehas an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least 30 percent for theultraviolet light of the particular wavelength. A highly ultravioletreflective material/structure has an ultraviolet reflection coefficientof at least 80 percent. Furthermore, a material/structure/layer isconsidered to be “transparent” to ultraviolet radiation of a particularwavelength when the material/structure/layer allows at least ten percentof radiation having a target wavelength, which is radiated at a normalincidence to an interface of the material/structure/layer to pass therethrough.

The description that follows may use other terminology herein for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting of the disclosure. For example, unless otherwise noted,the term “set” means one or more (i.e., at least one) and the phrase“any solution” means any now known or later developed solution. Thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well,unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is further understoodthat the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,”“has,” “have,” and “having” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a light exposurecontrol system 10 for irradiating a light sensitive object 12, such as aplant, according to an embodiment. As used herein, a plant can includeany one of a vast number of organisms within the biological kingdomPlantae. In general, a plant includes species that are considered oflimited motility and generally manufacture their own food. Anon-exhaustive list of plants can include, but are not limited to,vegetables, flowers, trees, forbs, shrubs, grasses, vines, ferns, andmosses. The light exposure control system 10 can include a first set ofradiation sources 14 configured to irradiate the object with visibleradiation and infrared radiation. The radiation sources 14 can include aset of visible light sources and infrared sources. Examples of visiblelight sources can include, but are not limited to, incandescent,fluorescent, laser, solid state, and/or the like, light sources thatemit radiation having a wavelength at least partially in a range of 400nm to 700 nm, while infrared sources can include, but are not limitedto, blackbody, solid state, and/or the like, light sources that emitradiation having a wavelength at least partially in a range of 700 nm to1 mm.

In one embodiment, the radiation sources 14 can include an array of aset of light emitting diodes (LEDs) operating in a blue, green, red, aswell as an infrared range. The visible set of LEDs in the array can beoperated to provide a sufficient intensity of light to allow for plantgrowth, while the infrared set of LEDs in the array can be operated toprovide heating, regulate stem growth and flowering response, and/or thelike. In one embodiment, the set of visible light sources and infraredsources can be configured to irradiate the plant according to a schedulethat follows the amount of daylight and darkness in a given day of ayear. That is, the set of visible light sources and infrared sources areoperational to irradiate the plant during daylight hours and inoperativeduring nighttime hours of the given day of the year (which may differfrom the actual day of the year).

The set of visible light sources and infrared sources can include avariety of sources that operate over a wide range of wavelengths.Generally, the set of visible light sources and infrared sources canirradiate an entirety of the surface of the light sensitive object 12with a wavelength that ranges from 430 nm to 800 nm. In one embodiment,the set of visible light sources can include a dark blue visible lightsource operating in a wavelength ranging from 440 nm to 450 nm, a bluevisible light source operating at a peak wavelength of 470 nm and a fullwidth half maximum ranging from 5 nm to 10 nm, a green visible lightsource operating in a wavelength ranging from 525 nm to 540 nm, a redvisible light source operating in a wavelength ranging from 620 nm to640 nm, a red visible light source operating at a peak wavelength of 660nm and a full width half maximum ranging from 5 nm to 10 nm, while theinfrared sources can operate in a wavelength ranging from 725 nm to 740nm. It is assumed that for these values, the peak wavelength is definedto within 1-5 nanometers. A set of these visible light sources andinfrared sources that are configured to operate with the aforementionedwavelengths is beneficial because these spectra ranges are known topromote plant growth and plant fruit formation. In one embodiment, thevisible light sources can irradiate a surface of the light sensitiveobject 12 with a wavelength that ranges from 430 nm to 560 nm. Inanother embodiment, the visible light sources can irradiate a surface ofthe light sensitive object 12 with a wavelength that ranges from 600 nmto 800 nm.

It is understood that the radiation sources 14 can include otherradiation sources in addition to, or in place of, the set of visiblelight sources and infrared sources. For example, fluorescent lights,high pressure sodium lights, or metal halide lamps, and any other highintensity discharge lamps that are typically employed for growth ofplants can be used with or in place of the set of visible light sourcesand infrared sources.

The light exposure control system 10 can further include a second set ofradiation sources 16 configured to spot irradiate the object 12 in a setof locations with a target radiation having a range of wavelengths.These locations can include specific locations or regions of the objectthat can have a need for supplemental irradiation beyond the irradiationprovided by the first set of radiation sources 14. Generally, each ofthe radiation sources 16 is capable of producing a spot of radiation ata distance from a light fixture. In this scenario of FIG. 1, the lightfixture is the light exposure control system 10 itself, with thedistance being a typical distance at which the system is installed.These distances can range from a few centimeters to a meter. As usedherein, irradiation of a location defines a region of the object 12 thatis impinged by radiation, wherein the intensity of radiation depositedat the boundary of the region is at most 10% of the intensity of lightdeposited at the center of the region. It is understood that theposition of irradiated locations can be adjusted to result in separatelocations over the surface of the object 12, wherein separate means thatthe intensity of radiation between the locations is no larger than 10%of the intensity in the center of the locations. In addition, theselocations of irradiation can be designed to have relatively uniformradiation, with radiation intensity varying through the location of nomore than several times between any two points within the location.

In one embodiment, the radiation sources 16 can include an ultravioletradiation source. The ultraviolet radiation source can comprise anycombination of one or more ultraviolet radiation emitter. Examples of anultraviolet radiation emitter can include, but are not limited to, highintensity ultraviolet lamps (e.g., high intensity mercury lamps),discharge lamps, ultraviolet LEDs, super luminescent LEDs, laser diodes,and/or the like. In one embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation source caninclude a set of LEDs manufactured with one or more layers of materialsselected from the group-III nitride material system (e.g.,Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1-x-y)N, where 0≤x, y≤1, and x+y≤1 and/or alloysthereof). Additionally, the ultraviolet radiation source can compriseone or more additional components (e.g., a wave guiding structure, acomponent for relocating and/or redirecting ultraviolet radiationemitter(s), etc.) to direct and/or deliver the emitted radiation to aparticular location/area, in a particular direction, in a particularpattern, and/or the like. Illustrative wave guiding structures caninclude, but are not limited to, a wave guide, a plurality ofultraviolet fibers, each of which terminates at an opening, a diffuser,and/or the like.

The set of radiation sources 16 can include a set of ultravioletradiation sources each operating at a different peak wavelength (λ). Asshown in FIG. 1, the set of ultraviolet radiation sources 16 can includea source operating at a peak wavelength of λ₁, a source operating at apeak wavelength of λ₂, a source operating at a peak wavelength of λ₃, asource operating at a peak wavelength of λ₄, and a source operating at apeak wavelength of λ₅. The number of ultraviolet radiation sourcesdepicted with the set of radiation sources 16 is only illustrative, andthus, it is understood that any number of ultraviolet radiation sourcescan be used. In one embodiment, each of the ultraviolet radiationsources can irradiate a different location of the object 12. It isunderstood for clarity that FIG. 1 shows three locations (e.g., P₁, P₂,P₃) although it is understood that the plant could have other locationsthat are irradiated with the ultraviolet radiation sources. In oneembodiment, the ultraviolet radiation sources can irradiate eachlocation with relatively uniform radiation. In another embodiment, morethan one ultraviolet radiation source can be used to irradiate a singlelocation on the object, with each irradiating the common location at adifferent intensity of radiation.

Each of the ultraviolet radiation sources can be configured to irradiateradiation at a specific wavelength selected from a range extending from250 nm to 360 nm. In general, for adequate optimization of the spotirradiation that is provided by the ultraviolet radiation sources, thewavelength range can be selected to be significantly narrower. Forinstance, the wavelength range can extend from 270 nm to 320 nm, and insome cases, depending on the optimization target, the range can extendfrom 280 nm to 300 nm, or from 260 nm to 280 nm. In one embodiment, theultraviolet radiation sources can have a peak wavelength that rangesfrom 270 nm to 300 nm. In another embodiment, the ultraviolet radiationsources can have a peak wavelength of 295 nm with a full width halfmaximum of 10 nm.

In order to facilitate the spot irradiation performed by the ultravioletradiation sources 16, a set of reflective optical elements can be usedto focus the ultraviolet radiation to locations on the object 12. In oneembodiment, each optical element can be configured to focus ultravioletradiation emitted from one of the ultraviolet radiation sources to arespective location on the object 12. Examples of optical elements thatcan be used in conjunction with the ultraviolet radiation sourcesinclude, but are not limited to, a lens and/or a set of lenses.

Although the set of visible light and infrared sources 14 and theultraviolet radiation sources 16 are depicted in FIG. 1 as separatecomponents, it is understood that these radiation sources can becombined in a single component. In one embodiment, regardless of whetherthe sources are part of a single component or multiple components, theradiation sources can include a dark blue visible light source operatingin a wavelength ranging from 440 nm to 450 nm, a blue visible lightsource operating at a peak wavelength of 470 nm and a full width halfmaximum ranging from 5 nm to 10 nm, a green visible light sourceoperating in a wavelength ranging from 525 nm to 540 nm, a red visiblelight source operating in a wavelength ranging from 620 nm to 640 nm, ared visible light source operating at a peak wavelength of 660 nm and afull width half maximum ranging from 5 nm to 10 nm, while the infraredsources can operate in a wavelength ranging from 725 nm to 740 nm. Inaddition, this embodiment can include a UVA source operating at a peakwavelength of 365 nm with a full width half maximum ranging from 5 nm to10 nm, and a UVB source operating in a wavelength that ranges from 280nm to 300 nm.

In another embodiment, the visible light, infrared and ultravioletradiation sources can be implemented as a grow lamp fixture withadjustable intensities that are configured to operate in various modes.For example, the grow lamp fixture can include a dark blue source thatis 10% of intensity of the grow lamp fixture; a blue source that is 5%of the intensity of the grow lamp fixture; a green source that is 5% ofthe intensity of the grow lamp fixture; a red source that is 20% ofintensity of the grow lamp fixture; a red source that is 50% of theintensity of the grow lamp fixture; an infrared source that is 5% of thegrow lamp fixture; a UVA source that is 5% of the intensity of the growlamp fixture; and a UVB source that is 5% of the intensity of the growlamp fixture.

The light exposure control system 10 can further include a plurality ofsensors 18 configured to measure a plurality of conditions associatedwith irradiating the light sensitive object 12. FIG. 1 shows that thesensors 18 includes four sensors, however it is understood that thisamount is only for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the type and amount of sensors 18 can vary, and willdepend on what the light sensitive object 12 comprises and theapplication or reason for irradiating the object. In an embodiment inwhich the light sensitive object 12 is a plant and the application ofthe light exposure control system 10 is to facilitate growth of theplant, the sensors 18 can include a set of environmental conditionsensors that detect conditions of the environment in which the plant islocated during irradiation by the first set of radiation sources 14 andthe second set of radiation sources 16. In one embodiment, theenvironmental condition sensors can include a temperature sensor, ahumidity sensor, a CO₂ sensor, a water sensor, and a nutrient sensor.For example, a temperature sensor can measure the temperaturesurrounding the plant, the humidity sensor can measure the humiditysurrounding the plant, the CO₂ sensor can measure the CO₂ levelssurrounding the plant, a water sensor can measure an amount of watersurrounding the plant or on the leaves, branches, etc., while thenutrient sensor can measure the presence of various nutrients (e.g.,flavonoids) in the plant based on plant leaf reflectivity data. Theseenvironmental condition sensors are only illustrative of a fewpossibilities, and it is understood that other sensors can be used toobtain environmental conditions related to the growth of a plant orplants in a controlled environment such as greenhouses, warehouses, etc.For example, an air pressure sensor can measure the air pressure of thelocation in which the plant is located, and an air movement sensor canmeasure the air speed in close proximity to the plant.

The sensors 18 can include other sensors in addition to theenvironmental condition sensors. For example, the set of sensors 18 caninclude sensors that measure operational data associated with theirradiation by the first set of radiation sources 14 and the second setof radiation sources 16. In one embodiment, the sensors 18 can includeat least one of a radiation sensor to detect radiation reflected fromthe surface of the object 12. For example, the set of sensors 18 caninclude a fluorescent radiation sensor to detect the fluorescentradiation induced in the surface of the object by the first set ofradiation sources 14 and the second set of radiation sources 16. Otherexamples of sensors that can be used in the light exposure controlsystem 10 can include, but are not limited to, visible light sensors,chemical sensors, a visible camera, etc.

The light exposure control system 10 can further include a controller 20to control the irradiation of the light sensitive object 12 by the firstset of radiation sources 14 and the second set of radiation sources 16according to a plurality of predetermined optimal irradiation settingsspecified for various environmental conditions in which the object islocated. In addition, the controller 20 can adjust the irradiationsettings of the first set of radiation sources 14 and the second set ofradiation sources 16 as a function of measurements obtained by theplurality of sensors 18.

In one embodiment, the controller 20 can detect changes imparted to thelight sensitive object 12 from the radiation sources as a function ofdata fed back from the sensors 18. In particular, the controller 20 candetect the changes as a function of the data associated with theirradiation by the first set of radiation sources 14 and the second setof radiation sources 16, and the data associated with environmentalconditions surrounding the light sensitive object 12. In one embodiment,the data associated with the irradiation can include the intensity,dosage, duration, wavelength, the type of radiation emitted from thefirst set of radiation sources 14 and the second set of radiationsources 16, and the frequency of irradiation. In embodiments in whichthe light sensitive object 12 is a plant and the light exposure controlsystem 10 is used to facilitate the growth of the plant, theenvironmental conditions can include temperature, humidity, and thepresence of CO₂ and/or water. In embodiments in which the lightsensitive object 12 is a living organism such as a person or an animaland the light exposure control system 10 is used to apply a medicaltreatment, the environmental conditions can include various vital signssuch as, for example, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, pulse,humidity of the skin, and reflectivity of the skin. In embodiments inwhich the light sensitive object 12 is a plant, the changes that can bedetected by the controller 20 can include, but are not limited to,changes in size, shape, color, temperature and overall harvest yield. Inembodiments in which the light sensitive object 12 is a human or ananimal, the changes that can be detected by the controller 20 caninclude, but are not limited to, color changes of the human/animal skin,visual changes occurring over the surface of the human/animal skin (suchas curing of the wounds, changes in the scarring tissue), etc.

The controller 20 can detect the changes imparted to the light sensitiveobject 12 from the data obtained from the sensors 18 using any solution.For example, in embodiments in which the light sensitive object 12 is aplant and the light exposure control system 10 is used to facilitate thegrowth of the plant, the controller 20 can ascertain changes in size,shape, color, temperature and overall harvest yield of the plant usingvisual, fluorescent and/or infrared sensors and sources. In anembodiment, using visual means can include a source of visibleradiation, and a camera sensitive to visible radiation. The camera canacquire image data of an object at a first instance of time and at alater instance of time under similar lighting conditions, assuming thatthe plant is not moved or otherwise physically altered. The controller20 can compare the image data to determine changes in size, shape,color, and/or overall volume of the plant. The changes in size andvolume can provide information regarding an overall harvest yield, whilethe changes in color can provide information regarding a health andnutrient content of the plant. Fluorescent radiation sources andfluorescence sensors can be utilized to acquire information regardingchanges of the plant surface related to accumulation of flavonoids atthe plant surface. Infrared radiation and infrared sensors can beutilized to acquire information regarding the temperature of the plantsurface. Similar to the visual source and camera, the fluorescent andinfrared sources and sensors can acquire data at set instances of time,which the controller 20 can compare at such different instances.

In embodiments in which the light sensitive object 12 is a human or ananimal in a medical treatment scenario, the controller 20 can ascertainchanges to the patient skin such as skin color and/or skin conditionusing visual, fluorescent, and/or infrared sensors and sources in thesame manner as described in conjunction with the plant surface analysis.

The controller 20 can adjust the irradiation settings of the first setof radiation sources 14 and the second set of radiation sources 16 as afunction of the feedback signals from the sensors using any solution. Inthis manner, the controller can cause the first set of radiation sources14 and the second set of radiation sources 16 to direct a particulartype of radiation to the applicable surface or area of the object 12. Ingeneral, the controller 20 can adjust the operation of the first set ofradiation sources 14 and the second set of radiation sources 16 byspecifying certain operating parameters that can include, but are notlimited to, wavelength, intensity, dosage, duration, pattern andfrequency. As an example, the controller 20 can control the radiationsources 14,16 to operate at a target wavelength and intensity for aduration that is designed to attain a certain effect (e.g., increaseproduction of a certain flavonoid and/or antioxidants).

In other embodiments, the controller 20 can include a timer withswitches and/or the like, to manage the duration that the first set ofradiation sources 14 and the second set of radiation sources 16 are onfor a particular application. To this extent, use of the timer canensure that radiation including spot irradiation is applied to thesurface of the object 12 for that duration (e.g., a dosage timer). In anembodiment in which the object 12 is a plant and the light exposurecontrol system 10 is used to facilitate the growth of the plant, thetimer can be used to coordinate the active operation of the radiationsources to correspond with the amount of daylight in a particular day,and inactivate the sources during nighttime hours. In one embodiment,the controller 20 operating in conjunction with the timer can manage theamount of time that the ultraviolet radiation sources radiate in theUV-A range versus the UV-B range. The duration and frequency treatmentthat the ultraviolet radiation sources are utilized can depend ondetected condition signals provided to the controller 20 by any of thesensors 18.

The controller 20 can also be used turn off the first set of radiationsources 14 and the second set of radiation sources 16 upon any detectedconditions provided by any of the sensors 18. For example, thecontroller 20 can be configured to interrupt the operation of the firstset of radiation sources 14 and the second set of radiation sources 16in response to receiving temperature signals from a temperature sensorand determining that the temperature of the air surrounding the object12 has exceeded a maximum temperature which is not beneficial forreceiving any particular type of radiation.

In one embodiment, the controller 20 can include a memory storagecapable of recording the various data obtained from the sensors 18. Tothis extent, the controller can retrieve the data for further analysisand optimization of the irradiation settings. Further details of theanalyses and optimization of the settings, as well as the control ofvarious parameters that are performed by the controller are presentedbelow.

In one embodiment, the controller 20 can also include a wirelesstransmitter and receiver that is configured to communicate with a remotelocation via Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH, and/or the like. As used herein, a remotelocation is a location that is apart from the light exposure controlsystem 10. For example, a remote computer can be used to transmitoperational instructions to the wireless transmitter and receiver. Theoperational instructions can be used to program functions performed andmanaged by the controller 20. In another embodiment, the wirelesstransmitter and receiver can transmit data calculations (e.g., changes),data from the sensors to the remote computer, to facilitate further useof the light exposure control system 10 with the object 12.

In one embodiment, the controller 20 can include an input component andan output component to allow a user to interact with the light exposurecontrol system 10 and to receive information regarding the object 12 andthe treatment thereto with the radiation sources. In one embodiment, theinput component can permit a user to adjust at least one of theaforementioned plurality of operating parameters. This can includemaking adjustments during the operation of the radiation sources 14,16and/or prior to initiating a treatment. In one embodiment, the inputcomponent can include a set of buttons and/or a touch screen to enable auser to specify various input selections regarding the operatingparameters. In one embodiment, the output component can include a visualdisplay for providing status information on the irradiation of theobject (e.g., time remaining, humidity, presence of water, or the like),status information of the object (e.g., changes in shape and size), asimple visual indicator that displays whether irradiation is underway(e.g., an illuminated light), or if the irradiation is over (e.g.,absence of an illuminated light).

Although not illustrated in FIG. 1 for clarity, the light exposurecontrol system 10 can include a power source that is configured to powerthe first set of radiation sources 14 and the second set of radiationsources 16, the sensors 18 and the controller 20. In one embodiment, thepower source can take the form of one or more batteries, a vibrationpower generator that can generate power based on magnetic inductedoscillations or stresses developed on a piezoelectric crystal. Inanother embodiment, the power source can include a super capacitor thatis rechargeable. Other power components that are suitable for use as thepower source can include a mechanical energy to electrical energyconverter such as a piezoelectric crystal, and a rechargeable device.

The aforementioned components of the light exposure control system 10are only illustrative of one possible configuration. It is understoodthat the light exposure control system 10 can utilize other componentsin addition to, or in place of those described above. These additionalcomponents can perform similar functions to those described above ordifferent ones. The type of additional components and functionalitiesthat are performed will depend on the type of light sensitive object andthe result that is desired through irradiation by the radiation sources.

In one embodiment, the light exposure control system 10 can include atleast one fluorescent radiation source 22. For example, the lightexposure control system 10 can include a set of fluorescent radiationsources 22 each configured to expose a location on the light sensitiveobject 12 with fluorescent excitation. The fluorescent radiation sources22 can include, but are not limited to, visible and ultraviolet sources(e.g., visible and ultraviolet fluorescent sources). Although thefluorescent radiation sources 22 are depicted in FIG. 1 as separatecomponents, it is understood that these sources of fluorescent radiationcan be part of the first set of radiation sources 14 and the second setof radiation sources 16. In this embodiment, at least one of the sensors18 can include a fluorescent signal sensor to measure an amount offluorescence at each location on the light sensitive object 12 that isexposed to fluorescent excitation. In one embodiment, the controller 20can compare the fluorescence at each location to an amount offluorescence at a region of the light sensitive object 12 that isunexposed to the fluorescent excitation emitted from the fluorescentradiation source 22. The controller 20 can use this comparison influorescence to determine changes in the surface due to fluorescenceradiation source 22. Based on this comparison as well as other dataobtained from the sensors 18, the controller 20 can adjust theirradiation of the object by any of the radiation sources 14, 16, 22.With regard to the operation of the fluorescent radiation source 22, thecontroller 20 can modify the wavelength, intensity, dosage, duration,pattern of radiation that irradiates the set of locations on a surfaceof the object 12, and/or the frequency of irradiation.

The visible light radiation sources, the ultraviolet radiation sources,and the fluorescent radiation sources can be operates in conjunctionwith each other to irradiate the surface of the light sensitive object12 including a set of locations along the surface in a variety ofpatterns. In one embodiment, the ultraviolet radiation sources canirradiate a set of locations at a peak wavelength of 295 nm with a fullwidth half maximum of 10 nm. In another embodiment, the ultravioletradiation sources can irradiate the set of locations at peak wavelengththat ranges from 270 nm to 300 nm. The irradiation of the locations inthese embodiments can be characterized by a first characteristicdiameter. Next, the visible light radiation sources can irradiate theentire surface of the expose with a visible light at a wavelength thatrange from 430 nm to 800 nm. The fluorescent radiation sources 22 canthen irradiate the set of locations on the surface of the lightsensitive object 12 with a first fluorescent excitation of radiationhaving a distinct wavelength of emitted radiation at a predeterminedintensity and duration, resulting in the locations having a secondcharacteristic diameter.

In one embodiment, the first fluorescent excitation of radiation can bein an ultraviolet range having a wavelength that ranges from 260 nm to280 nm. In another embodiment, the first fluorescent excitation ofradiation can be in an ultraviolet range having a wavelength that rangesfrom 280 nm to 300 nm. The controller 20 can then direct the fluorescentradiation sources to irradiate the set of locations on the surface ofthe light sensitive object 12 with a second fluorescent excitation ofradiation having a wavelength of emitted radiation at a predeterminedintensity and duration that is different from the first fluorescentexcitation of radiation. In one embodiment, the second fluorescentexcitation of radiation can be in a visible light range having awavelength that ranges from 430 nm to 560 nm. In another embodiment, thesecond fluorescent excitation of radiation can be in a visible lightrange having a wavelength that ranges from 600 nm to 800 nm.

It is understood that the analysis can be performed as the controller 20receives the fluorescent signals, or the analysis can be performed afterall of the signals have been received and recorded in a storage (memory,database, etc.). In addition, it is understood that the set of locationsand the surface of the object 12 can be irradiated according todifferent patterns. For example, the ultraviolet radiation sources canbe used to generate different fluorescent excitation signals.

The fluorescent radiation sources 22 and the fluorescent sensors canoperate in various configurations to ensure that detected fluorescentsignals are differentiated from the fluorescent sources inducing suchfluorescent signals. For example, the fluorescent radiation sources 22and the fluorescent sensors can operate in a pulsed regime to ensurethat the fluorescent signals are differentiated from the sourcesinducing such fluorescent signals. Alternatively, the sources offluorescent signals can be filtered by wavelength to result in a clearcollection of fluorescent signals from the surface of the lightsensitive object 12. It is understood that any timing for delivering theradiation to the light sensitive surface and collecting the fluorescentsignal from the surface is possible. In an embodiment, the time resolvedfluorescence can be employed, wherein the fluorescent radiation sourcecan operate in a pulsed regime and the fluorescent data can be collectedas the fluorescent signal is decaying. This method is known also as atransient fluorescent response, as it allows for determining thelifetime of fluorescence, and possibly a phase delay between anexcitation and a response which can lead to a particular sensingsignature for the light sensitive surface 12.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart 24 describing the use of the light exposurecontrol system 10 (FIG. 1) in a test mode to determine optimalirradiation settings, and in an operational treatment mode using thesettings to irradiate a light sensitive object, such as a plant,according to an embodiment. In the test mode, the ultraviolet radiationsources from the set of radiation sources 16 of the light exposurecontrol system 10 can be used at 26 to irradiate a set of plantsub-samples 28. The ultraviolet radiation sources can irradiate multipleplant sub-samples 28 at a variety of wavelengths, intensities, dosages,durations, and/or patterns including partial surface coverage, fullsurface coverage, and spot irradiation. In one embodiment, theultraviolet radiation sources can irradiate a first set of plantsub-samples 28 using a first peak wavelength and a second set of plantsub-samples 28 using a second peak wavelength. In an embodiment, thefirst set of plant sub-samples 28 can be irradiated by a first set ofpeak wavelengths administered one after another at a first set ofintervals, whereas the second set of plant sub-samples 28 can beirradiated by a second set of peak wavelengths administered one afteranother at a second set of intervals. In an embodiment, the variablesthat control irradiation of the first and second set of plantsub-samples 28 can include duration of radiation and intensity ofradiation for each peak wavelength administered. In an embodiment,several peak wavelengths can be administered at the same time. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to have some plant sub-samples not beirradiated by the ultraviolet radiation sources.

After irradiating the plant sub-samples 28 with ultraviolet radiation,the controller 20 of the light exposure system can perform a testanalysis 30 on the data obtained from the sensors 18 (FIG. 1) during theirradiation. The test analysis can be based on locations of the plantsthat received focused irradiation and regions of the plant that did notreceive spot irradiation, as well as any regions that did not receiveany radiation at all. As shown in FIG. 2, the test analysis 30 can beperformed according to a set of environmental inputs 32 that have aneffect on the growth of the plant sub-samples 28. Examples of theenvironmental inputs 32 can include, but are not limited to, humidity ofthe ambient, CO₂ content of the ambient, and temperature. In anembodiment, the nutrient content in the plant environment (water) can becontrolled, as an additional parameter of the environment.

The test analysis 30 can use the data obtained from the sensors 18during the irradiation of ultraviolet radiation and the specifiedenvironmental inputs to ascertain plant growth, plant health and apresence of nutrients (for example flavonoids) within plant leafs. Inone embodiment, the test analysis 30 can include an ultravioletirradiation analysis to assess fluorescent properties of the plant. Theultraviolet irradiation analysis can entail radiating a plant withvisible radiation and measuring a fluorescent signal at the firstinstance of time, then radiating a plant with ultraviolet signal at apeak wavelength corresponding to flavonoid absorption, and measuringfluorescent signal from such response. The analysis can includemeasuring two fluorescent signal intensities to ascertain the flavonoidcontent of the plant. The ratio from the fluorescent signals can betabulated against plant flavonoid content and the tabulated values canbe used for determining flavonoid content within the plant.

The fluorescent analysis can be performed at different times from theultraviolet irradiation analysis. To this extent, a time dependentreaction of a surface of the plant that is sensitive to the irradiationby the ultraviolet radiation sources and the fluorescent sources can bedetermined. In one embodiment, the fluorescent analysis can include afirst fluorescent analysis that is performed prior to irradiation of theplant by the ultraviolet radiation sources. A second fluorescentanalysis can be performed after the irradiation of the plant by theultraviolet radiation sources. The controller 20 can then compare theresults from the first fluorescent analysis to the second fluorescentanalysis. The controller 20 uses the comparison of the results from thefirst fluorescent analysis to the second fluorescent analysis todetermine the changes due to radiation. In an embodiment, theultraviolet radiation can also be used to reduce the amount of mildewover the leaves of the plant, and the fluorescent analysis can test thepresence of mildew after irradiation. The ultraviolet irradiationanalysis and the fluorescent analysis process can be repeated severaltimes depending on the set of environmental conditions. In addition, theultraviolet irradiation analysis and the fluorescent analysis can beperformed on a day-to-day basis. The controller 20 can then store theresults from the ultraviolet irradiation analysis and the fluorescentanalysis, and any assessments made therefrom for further processing andcontrol of operational parameters.

The controller 20 can use the results from the test analysis at 30 todetermine the optimal irradiation settings at 34 for irradiating a plantwith the light exposure control system under various environmentalconditions. These optimal irradiation settings can include, but are notlimited to, the type of radiation, the wavelength, the intensity, thedosage, the duration, and/or the frequency of radiation to be emittedfrom the radiation sources 14, 16. The optimal irradiation settings canalso be specified for types of plants during different periods of plantgrowth. The different periods of plant growth can include, but are notlimited to, a plant seedling period, a plant development period, a plantmaturity period, a plant blooming period, and a plant fruition period.In addition, the optimal irradiation settings can also be specified fordifferent parts of the plant. For example, certain parts of the leavesor sections of the plants such as the plant trunk or roots can havevastly different irradiation conditions. As a result, the varioussections of the plant may require spot irradiation, different types ofradiation, different intensities to facilitate growth or attain certainflavonoids, chlorophylls, or the like.

With the optimal irradiation settings determined, the light exposurecontrol system 10 can be used as a recipe in an operational mode totreat a plant or plants according to these settings for plant growth. Tothis extent the first set of radiation sources 14 can be used toirradiate the plants with visible light and infrared light, while thesecond set of radiation sources 16 can be used at 36 to provide the mainultraviolet irradiation. This enables the ultraviolet radiation sourcesto irradiate the plants at 38 with the optimal irradiation settings overthe different periods of plant growth under a variety of environmentconditions. In one embodiment, the light exposure control system can beimplemented in a controlled environment like a greenhouse and can beused to globally irradiate the plants in the greenhouse in accordancewith the optimal irradiation settings. It is understood that the use ofthe light exposure control system and the predetermined optimal settingsin a greenhouse scenario is only one example, and that it is applicableto growth of plants in different settings and/or irradiation of otherlight sensitive objects for any of various purposes.

FIG. 3 illustrates a parameter space of optimal irradiation settings inrelation to settings used in a sample test irradiation of a plant fromthe test mode depicted in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. As shown inFIG. 3, the parameter space can include wavelength, intensity, dose, andtime, which can include the duration and frequency of the irradiation.It is understood that the time parameter does not have to be periodicand can be based on any time schedule. FIG. 3 depicts the optimalirradiation settings as the region of possible acceptable doses. Thisregion represents the space of acceptable radiation dosages, intensitiesand wavelengths generated from the radiation sources that can irradiatea plant to effectuate desirable plant growth under various environmentalconditions over different periods of plant growth. In general, it isunderstood that a certain radiation dose in this space that isadministered in the operational treatment mode will be bound by aminimal and maximum value. This same dose can be administered in a shorthigh intensity burst of radiation or in prolonged low intensity periodsof radiation. To determine the best possible set of optimal settings,the test mode would need to scan a set of points in the parameter spaceobtained from the test samples. For clarity, FIG. 3 only shows onesample test, however it is understood that data from multiple testswould be obtained to ascertain a range of acceptable values that can beadministered in an operational treatment mode.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the effect that different intensity ofradiation values can have on the absorption of the radiation in a lightsensitive object such as a plant over time according to an embodiment.In general, the plant absorption of ultraviolet radiation can depend onthe intensity of the ultraviolet radiation. For example, consider anultraviolet sensing protein found in plants such as anultraviolet-Bresistance 8 (UVR8), also known as ultraviolet-B receptor UVR8. A plantthat is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation will typically be absorbedat the UVR8, while other ultraviolet photons can be absorbed by planttissue cells. Generally, for high intensity radiation sources, theabsorption by the UVR8 will be saturated and the absorption of the planttissue cells will be increased. Typically, absorption of the UVR8 isimportant component for production of flavonoids and antioxidants withina plant. As a result, it is sometimes preferable to radiate the plantfor possibly longer times at a lower ultraviolet intensity to increaseabsorption effects.

FIG. 4 shows a possible plant absorption curve with each box S1 and S2corresponding to a dose of radiation delivered to a plant. In general,the dose represented by box S1 is preferred over the dose represented bybox S2 because it takes more time to deliver dose S1, and it requiressignificantly less intensity of radiation. In addition, a high intensityof radiation such as that associated with dose S2, can damage the plantcells that do not contribute to the production of flavonoids orantioxidants within the plant.

Plant absorption curves such as the one depicted in FIG. 4 can be usedto determine a schedule for irradiating a plant. In one embodiment, thedata obtained from the test mode, in which a multitude of plant samplesare irradiated to ascertain optimal irradiation settings, can be used togenerate ultraviolet absorption curves. Generally, such absorptioncurves can be obtained prior to optimizing the irradiation schedule, andcan be measured separately from the other data obtained during the testmode. In one embodiment, the controller 20 can use the ultravioletabsorption curves as an initial data point for determining a set ofpossible irradiation intensities for plant treatment that can result inan adequate does of ultraviolet radiation delivered to the plant.

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart 40 describing a test mode according to anotherembodiment that implements a fluorescent analysis to determine theoptimal irradiation settings for use with a light exposure controlsystem described herein in an operational treatment mode of a lightsensitive object such as a plant. In this embodiment, the test samples(e.g., the plants 12) are irradiated with the visible radiation sourcesand the ultraviolet radiation sources at 42. For example, the first setof radiation sources 14 (FIG. 1) can irradiate the plants 12 withvisible light radiation at a visible light wavelength that results in apeak fluorescence. Such a wavelength can be established by firstirradiating plant by a set peak wavelengths in the range of 400-700 nmand choosing the one with the peak fluorescence. The second set ofradiation sources 16 (FIG. 1) can irradiate the plants 12 withultraviolet radiation at a wavelength A; and chosen in a wavelengthrange that is absorbed by flavonoids. Such a wavelength can be in therange of 285-300 nm for example, and A; can represent ten equally spacedpeak wavelengths in the aforementioned range.

The controller 20 (FIG. 1) can perform a fluorescent analysis at 44 inorder to determine the flavonoid content in a plant. In one embodiment,the fluorescent analysis includes obtaining fluorescent signals from theplant 12 after being irradiated with the visible light radiation. Inaddition, fluorescent signals from the plant are obtained after beingirradiated with the ultraviolet radiation. The controller 22 can usethese signals to plot a ratio of the fluorescent intensity signals fromthe visible light radiation to the fluorescent signals from theultraviolet radiation at 46 after compiling enough data from multipleirradiations of the plant 12 through different wavelengths, intensities,dosages, and/or duration. The plot of the fluorescent intensity signalsas depicted in FIG. 5 is a function of wavelength A.

The plot of the fluorescent intensity signals can be used to ascertain avariety of information that pertains to the growth of the plant under avariety of environmental conditions for different periods of plantgrowth. For example, large values in the fluorescent signal ratio is anindication that there is a considerable presence of flavonoids withinthe plant that are associated with the fulfillment of multiple functions(e.g., pigmentation, inhibit disease activity, etc.), and are generallyresponsible for health and nutritional benefits associated with manyfruits and vegetables. In one embodiment, the controller 22 can usethese values that are an indication of a considerable presence offlavonoids to determine a range of acceptable intensity radiation valuesover a time duration that are absorbable by the plant and thatcontribute to production of flavonoids. In addition, the peak value ofthe wavelength (λ_(r)) in the plot of the ratio of the fluorescentsignals can be used as the optimal wavelength for the settings specifiedin the operational treatment mode because such a wavelength correspondsto a maximum flavonoid absorption, and results in a largestsignal-to-noise ratio. Such a wavelength allows for more accurateprediction of flavonoid content. In addition, the choice of wavelengthcan determine the type of flavonoid that can be present in the proximityof the leaf surface.

FIG. 6 shows details of a fluorescent analysis according to oneembodiment that can be utilized in one of the various embodimentsdescribed herein. In particular, FIG. 6 describes the steps of afluorescent analysis 48 that can be performed with the spot irradiationof the object 12 such as a plant. In one embodiment, in a first step, aset of locations P on the plant can be irradiated by a singleultraviolet radiation source such that each location receives adifferent wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation from the source. Inthe second step, the locations P can be irradiated with a set ofdifferent ultraviolet radiation sources. In one embodiment, each of thedifferent ultraviolet radiation sources can irradiate a respectivelocation with multiple wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation. To thisextent, each location can receive a different wavelength of theultraviolet radiation from the single ultraviolet radiation source usedin step 1. The controller 20 (FIG. 1) can record the fluorescent signalsobtained from a fluorescence sensor for each of the locations afterirradiation of the different wavelengths of the ultraviolet radiation bythe multiple excitation sources. The fluorescence data generated fromstep 2 can give further information on the chemical modification of aplant surface. For example, the information can detail the type ofchemical components present at the plant surface. In addition, theinformation can indicate the amount of the chemical components presentat the plant surface via a thickness of any newly formed film ofchemical materials such as flavonoids.

The next step of the global fluorescent analysis depicted in FIG. 6 caninclude irradiating the set of locations P on the plant with visiblelight sources. The controller 20 can record the fluorescent signalsobtained from a fluorescence sensor for each of the locations afterirradiation by the visible light sources. The controller 20 can then usethese fluorescent signals with those generated from the ultravioletradiation sources to determine a ratio of fluorescent intensity likethat depicted in FIG. 5. As mentioned above, the ratio of fluorescentintensity between the fluorescent signals of the ultraviolet radiationand visible radiation can be used to ascertain various information thatpertains to the growth of the plant. In addition, this information canbe used to determine the optimal settings that can be used forirradiating a set of locations of a plant in an operational treatmentmode including wavelength, intensity, dosage, duration, etc.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative fluorescent analysis 50 that can beperformed in the flow chart of FIG. 5 in place of the fluorescentanalysis depicted in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, instead of irradiatingthe set of locations P with different wavelengths of ultravioletradiation as depicted in step 1 of FIG. 5, these locations can beirradiated with varying intensities and durations of the radiation.Irradiating the set of locations P with varying intensities anddurations of ultraviolet radiation affords determination of the optimaldose of radiation on affecting the plant leaf or a plant fruit. Althoughnot illustrated, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7 could utilize stepstwo and three shown in FIG. 6, to generate the same information thatpertains to plant growth and optimal irradiation settings in anoperational treatment mode for growing plants in all stages of plantgrowth under a variety of environmental conditions.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example showing the effect that the absorption ofradiation can have on different elements of a light sensitive object 12such as a plant, and how balancing that effect on all of the elementscan be used to find the optimal irradiation settings for irradiating theplant according to an embodiment. It is understood that there are amultiple of different elements within a plant that effect its growth anddevelopment and that are sensitive to radiation. UVR8, Cryptochrome,Beta-Carotene, Chlorophyll A, Chlorophyll B, Phycoeryththrin,Phycocyanin, and Phytochrome are a non-exhaustive list of elements in aplant that effect growth and development and that are sensitiveultraviolet radiation. As an example, FIG. 8 shows a plot of the plantabsorption spectra of these elements. In particular, FIG. 8 show a plantabsorption spectra for UVR8, which as noted above, is an ultravioletsensing protein found in plants that generally has a positive effect onplant growth and development depending on the amount of absorbedultraviolet radiation. FIG. 8 also shows a plant absorption spectra forthe other above-noted elements (i.e., Cryptochrome, Beta-Carotene,Chlorophyll A, Chlorophyll B, Phycoeryththrin, Phycocyanin, andPhytochrome).

From the perspective of plant growth and development, it is generallyunderstood that radiation absorption by UVR8 is desirable, whileabsorption of the other elements might be less desirable or notdesirable at all. An assessment of the effect that radiation will haveon these other elements will ultimately depend on the element.Nevertheless, for purposes of this embodiment, it is assumed that theplant absorption spectra of UVR8 will have the stronger effect on thegrowth and development of a plant than the other elements. As a result,values for the parameters used to generate the plant absorption curvewill be weighted higher in comparison to those associated with the otherelements in determination of optimal irradiation settings.

In one embodiment, an effective wavelength setting for use in anoperational treatment mode can be optimized to coincide with theabsorption peak area of UVR8 which is designated by reference element52, which has a wavelength of λ₀. However, a wavelength of λ₀ may besuboptimal if the absorption by the other elements is high at thatwavelength. As shown in FIG. 8, the wavelength of the absorption of theother elements is relatively high, and as a result, a wavelength of λ₀,may not be a desirable setting as it can have somewhat of a deleteriouseffect on the plant. FIG. 8 shows a more useful region in the absorptioncurves designated by reference element 54 where the absorption of UVR8is relatively high, while the absorption of the other elements isrelatively low. FIG. 8 shows that the useful region 54 can becharacterized with a wavelength of λ₁. As used herein, the term“relatively high” can mean absorption that is at least 50% of theabsorption at the peak, while the term “relatively low” can meanabsorption that is less than 50% of the absorption at the peak.

In general, an optimized wavelength from the absorption by the UVR8 andthe other elements can be determined by constructing cost functionalcriteria that balances both the benefits of having high absorption byUVR8 and the penalty associated with the “undesirable absorption” by theother elements. With regard to the example illustrated in FIG. 8, such acost functional criteria would lead to the optimal wavelength λ₁, whichis different from the absorption peak wavelength λ₀. As shown in FIG. 8,wavelength λ₁ still yields a relatively high absorption for UVR8, and arelatively lower absorption by other elements. With the optimizedwavelength identified, other irradiation settings can be specified thatcorrespond with this parameter such as intensity, dosage, duration, andthe like. In this manner, the irradiation settings can be used in anoperational treatment mode to grow and develop plants over a variety ofenvironmental conditions under different growth periods to attaindesirable flavonoid and antioxidant production.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is a schematic block diagramrepresentative of an overall processing architecture of a system 800 fora light exposure control system that can be used to irradiate a lightsensitive object. In this embodiment, the architecture 800 is shownincluding the radiation sources 14, 16, 22 and the sensors 18 for thepurposes of illustrating the interaction of all of the components thatcan be used to provide a light exposure system for irradiating a lightsensitive object.

As depicted in FIG. 9 and described herein, the system 800 can include acontroller 20. In one embodiment, the controller 20 can be implementedin the form of a control unit embodying a computer system 820 includingan analysis program 830, which makes the computer system 820 operable tomanage the radiation sources 14, 16, 22 and the sensors 18 in the mannerdescribed herein. In particular, the analysis program 830 can enable thecomputer system 820 to operate the radiation sources 14, 16, 22 todirect radiation towards the object and process data obtained duringoperation which is stored as data 840. The computer system 820 canindividually control each source 14, 16, 22 and sensor 18 and/or controltwo or more of the sources and the sensors as a group. Furthermore, theradiation sources can emit radiation of substantially the samewavelength or of multiple distinct wavelengths.

In an embodiment, during an initial period of operation, the computersystem 820 can acquire data from at least one of the sensors 18regarding one or more attributes of the light exposure control systemand generate data 840 for further processing. The computer system 820can use the data 840 to control one or more aspects of the radiationgenerated by the radiation sources 14, 16, 22 during testing andoperational modes.

Furthermore, one or more aspects of the operation of the radiationsources 14, 16, 22 can be controlled or adjusted by a user 812 via anexternal interface I/O component 826B. The external interface I/Ocomponent 826B can be used to allow the user 812 to selectively turnon/off the radiation sources 14, 16, 22.

The external interface I/O component 826B can include, for example, atouch screen that can selectively display user interface controls, suchas control dials, which can enable the user 812 to adjust one or moreof: an intensity, and/or other operational properties of the set ofradiation sources 14, 16, 22 (e.g., operating parameters, radiationcharacteristics). In an embodiment, the external interface I/O component826B could include a keyboard, a plurality of buttons, a joystick-likecontrol mechanism, and/or the like, which can enable the user 812 tocontrol one or more aspects of the operation of the set of radiationsources 14, 16, 22. The external interface I/O component 826B also caninclude any combination of various output devices (e.g., an LED, aspeaker, a visual display), which can be operated by the computer system820 to provide status information for use by the user 812. For example,the external interface I/O component 826B can include one or more LEDsfor emitting a visual light for the user 812, e.g., to indicate a statusof the irradiation of the samples. In an embodiment, the externalinterface I/O component 826B can include a speaker for providing analarm (e.g., an auditory signal), e.g., for signaling that ultravioletradiation is being generated or that an irradiation has finished.

The computer system 820 is shown including a processing component 822(e.g., one or more processors), a storage component 824 (e.g., a storagehierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component 826A (e.g., one or more I/Ointerfaces and/or devices), and a communications pathway 828. Ingeneral, the processing component 822 executes program code, such as theanalysis program 830, which is at least partially fixed in the storagecomponent 824. While executing program code, the processing component822 can process data, which can result in reading and/or writingtransformed data from/to the storage component 824 and/or the I/Ocomponent 826A for further processing. The pathway 828 provides acommunications link between each of the components in the computersystem 820. The I/O component 826A and/or the external interface I/Ocomponent 826B can comprise one or more human I/O devices, which enablea human user 812 to interact with the computer system 820 and/or one ormore communications devices to enable a system user 812 to communicatewith the computer system 820 using any type of communications link. Tothis extent, during execution by the computer system 820, the analysisprogram 830 can manage a set of interfaces (e.g., graphical userinterface(s), application program interface, and/or the like) thatenable human and/or system users 812 to interact with the analysisprogram 830. Furthermore, the analysis program 830 can manage (e.g.,store, retrieve, create, manipulate, organize, present, etc.) the data,such as data 840, using any solution.

In any event, the computer system 820 can comprise one or more generalpurpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices)capable of executing program code, such as the analysis program 830,installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code”means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation,that cause a computing device having an information processingcapability to perform a particular function either directly or after anycombination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, codeor notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c)decompression. To this extent, the analysis program 830 can be embodiedas any combination of system software and/or application software.

Furthermore, the analysis program 830 can be implemented using a set ofmodules 832. In this case, a module 832 can enable the computer system820 to perform a set of tasks used by the analysis program 830, and canbe separately developed and/or implemented apart from other portions ofthe analysis program 830. When the computer system 820 comprisesmultiple computing devices, each computing device can have only aportion of the analysis program 830 fixed thereon (e.g., one or moremodules 832). However, it is understood that the computer system 820 andthe analysis program 830 are only representative of various possibleequivalent monitoring and/or control systems that may perform a processdescribed herein with regard to the control unit, the sources and thesensors. To this extent, in other embodiments, the functionalityprovided by the computer system 820 and the analysis program 830 can beat least partially be implemented by one or more computing devices thatinclude any combination of general and/or specific purpose hardware withor without program code. In each embodiment, the hardware and programcode, if included, can be created using standard engineering andprogramming techniques, respectively. Illustrative aspects of theinvention are further described in conjunction with the computer system820. However, it is understood that the functionality described inconjunction therewith can be implemented by any type of monitoringand/or control system.

Regardless, when the computer system 820 includes multiple computingdevices, the computing devices can communicate over any type ofcommunications link. Furthermore, while performing a process describedherein, the computer system 820 can communicate with one or more othercomputer systems, such as the user 812, using any type of communicationslink. In either case, the communications link can comprise anycombination of various types of wired and/or wireless links; compriseany combination of one or more types of networks; and/or utilize anycombination of various types of transmission techniques and protocols.

All of the components depicted in FIG. 9 can receive power from a powercomponent 845. The power component 845 can take the form of one or morebatteries, a vibration power generator that can generate power based onmagnetic inducted oscillations or stresses developed on a piezoelectriccrystal, a wall plug for accessing electrical power supplied from agrid, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the power source can include asuper capacitor that is rechargeable. Other power components that aresuitable for use as the power component can include solar, a mechanicalenergy to electrical energy converter such as a piezoelectric crystal, arechargeable device, etc.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to anindividual in the art are included within the scope of the invention asdefined by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A light exposure control system for irradiating aplant, comprising: a first set of radiation sources configured toirradiate the plant with visible radiation and infrared radiation; asecond set of radiation sources configured to spot irradiate the plantin a set of locations with ultraviolet radiation having a range ofwavelengths; a radiation sensor configured to detect radiation reflectedfrom the plant; a plurality of environmental condition sensors thatdetect conditions of the environment in which the plant is locatedduring irradiation by the first and second set of radiation sources; anda controller configured to control irradiation of the plant by the firstand second set of radiation sources according to a plurality ofpredetermined optimal irradiation settings specified for variousenvironmental conditions, wherein the plurality of predetermined optimalirradiation settings are derived from a first absorption spectraobtained at regions in the plant that contribute to flavonoid productionand a second absorption spectra obtained at other regions in the plantthat are considered separate from flavonoid production, wherein theplurality of predetermined optimal irradiation settings includes anoptimal wavelength of radiation that balances a benefit to the regionsin the plant that contribute to flavonoid production with any penaltythat the optimal wavelength of radiation will have in the other regionsof the plant, and wherein the controller adjusts irradiation settings ofthe first and second set of radiation sources as a function offluorescent measurements obtained by the radiation sensor for at leasttwo wavelengths, and the environmental conditions detected by theplurality of environmental condition sensors.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the first set of radiation sources irradiate the plant accordingto a predetermined schedule that follows an amount of daylight anddarkness in a given day of a year, wherein the first set of radiationsources are operational to irradiate the plant during daylight hours andinoperative during nighttime hours.
 3. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a set of fluorescent radiation sources to irradiate the plantwith fluorescent radiation.
 4. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe second set of radiation sources comprises a plurality of ultravioletlight emitting devices, each operating at a different peak wavelength,wherein each of the ultraviolet light emitting devices is configured toirradiate a location of the plant with supplemental irradiation beyondthe irradiation provided by the first set of radiation sources.
 5. Thesystem according to claim 4, wherein more than one of the ultravioletlight emitting devices are configured to irradiate a common location ofthe plant, wherein each ultraviolet light emitting device irradiates thecommon location at a different intensity of radiation.
 6. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the plurality of environmental conditionsensors comprises at least one of: a temperature sensor, a humiditysensor, a CO₂ sensor, a water sensor, or a nutrient sensor.
 7. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the controller detects changesimparted to the plant as a function of data associated with theirradiation by the first and second set of radiation sources, and dataassociated with the environmental conditions.
 8. The system according toclaim 7, wherein the data associated with the irradiation by the firstand second set of radiation sources comprises intensity, dosage,duration, wavelength, type of radiation, and pattern of radiation. 9.The system according to claim 7, wherein the changes detected by thecontroller comprise changes in size, shape, color, and temperature. 10.A light exposure control system for irradiating a plant, comprising: aset of visible light and infrared radiation sources configured toirradiate a surface of the plant with visible radiation and infraredradiation; a set of ultraviolet radiation sources configured to spotirradiate the surface of the plant in a set of locations with a targetultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths; a radiation sensorconfigured to detect radiation reflected from the surface of the plantincluding visible radiation, ultraviolet radiation and fluorescentradiation; a plurality of environmental condition sensors that detectconditions of the environment in which the plant is located duringirradiation by the set of visible light and infrared radiation sourcesand the set of ultraviolet radiation sources; and a controllerconfigured to control irradiation of the surface of the plant by the setof visible light and infrared radiation sources and the set ofultraviolet radiation sources according to a plurality of predeterminedoptimal irradiation settings specified for various environmentalconditions, wherein the controller directs the set of ultravioletradiation sources to irradiate the set of locations on the surface ofthe plant with a first fluorescent excitation of radiation having adistinct wavelength of emitted radiation at a predetermined intensityand duration, and at a second fluorescent excitation of radiation havinga wavelength of emitted radiation at a predetermined intensity andduration that is different from the first fluorescent excitation ofradiation, the controller receiving fluorescence measurements fromlocations experiencing the first and second fluorescent excitations andlocations unexposed to the first and second fluorescent excitations, thecontroller adjusting the irradiation settings of the set of visiblelight and infrared radiation sources and the set of ultravioletradiation sources as a function of the fluorescence measurements. 11.The system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to controla plurality of plant growth parameters as a function of the fluorescencemeasurements.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of plantgrowth parameters comprises an amount of water provided to the plant,air temperature at a location of the plant, an amount of nutrientsprovided to the plant, and an amount of pesticides applied to the plant.13. The system of claim 10 wherein the controller directs the set ofvisible light and infrared radiation sources and the set of ultravioletradiation sources to irradiate the plant during different periods ofplant growth, the different periods including a plant seedling period, aplant development period, a plant maturity period, plant bloomingperiod, and a plant fruition period.
 14. The system of claim 13, whereinthe controller is configured to receive measurements from the pluralityof environmental condition sensors and the radiation sensor at varioustimes of the day during each of the different periods of plant growth.15. The system of claim 10, wherein the controller directs the set ofvisible light and infrared radiation sources, and the set of ultravioletradiation sources to irradiate the plant according to a predeterminedirradiation pattern.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein thepredetermined irradiation pattern comprises a first irradiation by theset of ultraviolet radiation sources, followed by second irradiation bythe set of visible light and infrared sources, and a third irradiationby a plurality fluorescent radiation sources.
 17. The system of claim10, further comprising a set of visible sensors configured to detectlight reflected from a surface of the plant, the controller adjusting apower spectra distribution of the irradiation of the plant by thevisible light sources as a function of a plant surface absorptionspectra obtained by the set of visible sensors.
 18. The system of claim17, wherein the visible light sources comprises an array of visiblelight emitting devices, wherein the controller adjusts the array ofvisible light emitting devices an amount that is directly proportionalto the light absorption at the surface of the plant.
 19. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the controller adjusts the irradiation of the plant bythe set of ultraviolet radiation sources as a function of avisible-to-ultraviolet ratio of fluorescent excitation of radiationgenerated from two sets of fluorescence measurements.
 20. A method,comprising: irradiating a light sensitive object with visible radiationand infrared radiation; spot irradiating the light sensitive objectafter irradiation with the visible radiation and the infrared radiationin a set of specifically defined distinct and separate locations of thelight sensitive object with ultraviolet radiation having a range ofwavelengths, wherein the spot irradiating of the set of locations of thelight sensitive object includes irradiating each defined locationrelatively uniform with ultraviolet radiation; detecting radiationreflected from the light sensitive object; detecting conditions of theenvironment in which the light sensitive object is located during theirradiation and spot irradiation; and controlling the irradiation andspot irradiation of the light sensitive object according to a pluralityof predetermined optimal irradiation settings specified for variousenvironmental conditions, the controlling including adjustingirradiation settings as a function of fluorescent measurements obtainedfor at least two wavelengths and the environment conditions.